POTSDAM -- A.A. Kingston Middle School Registered Nurse Jonann Foote was recognized by the New York State Association of School Nurses with the Award for Excellence in School Nursing.

NYSASN recognizes school nurses in who excel in their practice of school nursing, said PCS spokesperson Rebekah Grim. NYSASN representatives from each zone are encouraged, not required, to present one school nurse from their zone each year with the Award for Excellence in School Nursing. Foote is the Zone 9 recipient.

She has served as the school nurse at A.A.K. since 2002 and was recently appointed to the new role of district head nurse. Prior to her employment at PCS, Foote served as a school nurse in the Carthage Central School District.

“Mrs. Foote is a tremendous asset to the students, staff, and administration at PCS,” Potsdam Superintendent Joann Chambers said. “She cares about the well-being of all members of our school community and consistently goes above and beyond. She leads our team of school nurses, serves as a resource to the district on all matters related to student health and wellness, and most importantly, takes excellent care of our middle school students.”

Speaking about Foote, middle school parent, Michelle Martin said, “Mrs. Foote has been such a wonderful influence on my son. She takes the time to really get to know kids, well beyond their immediate medical needs and well beyond the call of duty. Her caring nature and patience make her such a valuable resource for our kids. She is a rock and provides solid ground in the shaky waves of the middle school years.”

Another parent, Marcy Adams, said, “Coming from a parent of a child with a severe food allergy I have never, not once, felt as though my son was being overlooked or not given the proper attention regarding his needs. Prior to the start of the school year Mrs. Foote is in contact with me a number of times discussing care plans, prescription and paperwork needs and relaying to appropriate faculty and staff relevant information. During the school year she does not hesitate to contact me at any time to discuss events or concerns. Her attentiveness eases my mind that my son is well cared for.”

Parent Tricia Humiston wrote, “Mrs. Foote has been a tremendous influence on my daughter. She has been her go-to person for health advice as well as life and social issues too. She always has a smile and caring words for everyone. If your child has an illness or simply needs a minute she is there without hesitation.”

The students at A.A. Kingston Middle School appreciate Foote as well, Grim said. Many of them shared their thoughts about their school nurse.

Here are a few of their thoughts:

• “Mrs. Foote is a wonderful person and displays a lot of our P2 characteristics such as love. She is always kind to her patients and treats them with great care.”

• “Mrs. Foote truly cares for our health and doesn't just do it for work, she takes time to know each of us and really loves each and every one of us.”

• “She helps us not just by making us feel better if we get a cut or something but also helps us when we need someone to talk to.”

• “She knows when kids are faking it; that is a skill only the best of nurses can acquire.”